[Giorgos Zahos/Intime News]
The center-left PASOK party is set to file a no-confidence motion against the government next week, citing failures in railway safety and disaster response following the deadly 2023 Tempe train crash.
PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis announced the move after a report by the Hellenic Aviation and Railway Safety Investigation Agency (HARSIA) highlighted critical safety lapses and government mismanagement.
“When you submit a motion of no confidence, you do it to remove the government and hold elections. I don’t constantly ask for elections because that is an old-fashioned, party-driven mentality. Elections are in the hands of the prime minister. In my hands, there is a tool to call for elections: the motion of no confidence. And we will do it next week,” Androulakis said. He accused the government of delaying key safety measures and obstructing the investigation into the crash.
The motion will focus on three key issues: the failure to implement Contract 717, which aimed to upgrade railway safety systems; allegations of evidence tampering at the crash site; and the security gaps in the operation of the railway network, which are highlighted by the report. The motion will be accompanied by a technical analysis of all the data that has emerged.
The no-confidence motion requires consultation and coordination with the other parties of the so-called progressive bloc. It is expected to be backed by SYRIZA and other opposition parties, ensuring the necessary parliamentary support.
If the motion is filed as expected on Wednesday, it will trigger a three-day debate, shifting political attention to Parliament.
The government has vehemently defended its response, accusing PASOK of exploiting the tragedy for political gain.